Over five years ago, in the summer of 2018, wayfinding signs went up along Main Street on Roosevelt Island. Since then, a tangled journey has gotten comically worse. Dark comedy, sure, but the sheer shamelessness stands out.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
2018 was the year of the big red RI Sign or “Monument” as it was originally dubbed and the wayfinding signs. Roosevelt Islanders, especially businesses, begged RIOC for years for signs that greeted visitors. The big red sign was something almost nobody wanted, but we got it anyway.
Ironically, the RI Sign won acceptance while the wayfinding kiosks went from adequate to useless.
A little history…
When I moved to the Island in 1990, RIOC handed out maps at the Tram Plaza, invaluable gifts for newcomers eager to settle in. By 2018, though, that commitment dwindled through one inept administration after another.
RIOC failed so badly at producing an accurate map at any cost that the Visitor Center created their own, handing them out for free.
The, along came Hudson-Related, actively building out Southtown and managing Main Street Retail. At its own expense, the company designed, built and planted the wayfinding kiosks you now see from the Tram to Motorgate. It also posted directional signs highlighting special locations.
After that contribution, as Hudson President David Kramer told The Daily, they thought that RIOC would at least keep them updated. They didn’t.
Cringeworthy
I cringe every time I see visitors peer at kiosks outside the Tram and subway station. They don’t know yet that it’s all gobbledygook resulting from RIOC’s clearest, public example of utter negligence and lack of shame.
Maybe it’s a microcosm, reflecting the years of incompetence and shamelessness at the state agency nobody seems willing or able to fix.
If the painful reminder of Amalgamated Bank, gone over two years now, isn’t enough, consider this: One of the first things visitors want to know is “Where they can find a bank?” You’ve probably been there.
Now, imagine traipsing up Main Street only to find an empty space where Amalgamated once did business. How ya feelin’ about Roosevelt Island now?
Egregious as that huge flaw is, there’s plenty more.
- Closed four years now, Roosevelt Island Urgent Care is a shell with no services available. What if you got tossed around on a Tram ride, sprained an ankle or suddenly felt ill, wouldn’t you expect help when you got there?
- And good luck relieving your thirst at BubbleCool Tea.
It’s not just shuttered businesses that RIOC ignored, it doesn’t say anything about promising newcomers getting no notice at all.
- Anybody ever need fresh batteries? Island Discount has them, but you’d never know it by the signs.
- ME – Mediterranean Eatery – is popular with tasty falafels and other fare, but next-door neighbor, RIOC doesn’t know about it.
- Island Om doesn’t exist in RIOC world.
- And finally, the designated location for our treasured local library is actually where RIOC parks anonymously these days. In reality, the state agency that never gets it wrong probably prefers not being found.
As mentioned at the time in 2018, Roosevelt Island’s abundance of historical locations gets scant attention and no focus.
The Purpose of Wayfinding Signs
Wayfinding signs play a crucial role in creating a smooth and enjoyable experience for people navigating a community. Their goals go beyond simply pointing directions; they aim to inform, comfort, and even enhance the overall perception of the place. Here’s a breakdown of their key objectives:
1. Guiding Navigation:
- Providing clear directions: Signs should make it easy for people to find their way to desired destinations, whether it’s a specific landmark, a public amenity, or a neighborhood attraction.
- Offering route options: When possible, signs can present alternative routes for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, catering to different preferences and travel modes.
- Maintaining consistency: A unified system of signage with a consistent design style and information hierarchy helps people become familiar with the system and navigate intuitively.
2. Enhancing Orientation:
- Establishing a sense of place: Signs can incorporate local landmarks, cultural references, or historical information to give visitors a better understanding of the community’s character and identity.
- Creating mental maps: Strategically placed signs can help people develop a mental map of the area, making it easier for them to remember locations and navigate independently.
- Reinforcing branding: Signs that reflect the community’s branding or visual identity can contribute to a positive and memorable impression for visitors.
3. Providing Information:
- Highlighting points of interest: Signs can draw attention to hidden gems, local businesses, or cultural attractions that visitors might otherwise miss.
- Communicating important details: Information about parking, public transportation options, accessibility features, or event schedules can be valuable for visitors and residents alike.
- Promoting safety and awareness: Signs can remind people of local regulations, pedestrian crossings, or other safety measures to ensure a comfortable and safe experience for everyone.
4. Building Community:
- Creating a welcoming atmosphere: Clear and helpful signage can contribute to a sense of hospitality and make visitors feel welcome and confident in exploring the community.
- Encouraging exploration: Informative signs can spark curiosity and inspire people to venture beyond their initial destinations, discovering new parts of the community.
- Fostering a sense of belonging: Signage that reflects the community’s values and diversity can help residents feel connected to their surroundings and proud of their local identity.
By achieving these goals, wayfinding signs become more than just functional tools; they transform into silent ambassadors, shaping the way people experience and interact with a community.
Finally…
The ridiculously out-of-date wayfinding signs represent – in bright colors – how mindlessly RIOC’s fabulously overpaid staff neglects the community forced to pay their bloated salaries.
They pass – usually in cars – these things every day but fail to act.
What does it take to wake up Governor Kathy Hochul’s patronage-rich minion? How do we get anything done? Any suggestions appreciated.
“I Can Ask”
Chair Fay Christian opened the Operations Advisory Committee on February 12th, reading out member names from a prepared sheet that omitted Melissa Wade. It didn’t feel intentional, but it struck me as odd precisely because it came from something prepared. Lydia Tang gently corrected her, noting that Wade was, in fact, a member of the committee. Wade met the moment with grace, or perhaps she simply wasn’t bothered by it.
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